Learning digital skills and tackling digital inequality are key priorities for Minister of Digital Transformation Andrijanič
- Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Digital Transformation
The Minister of Digital Transformation, Mark Boris Andrijanič, today attended the opening of the travelling mobile classroom named Simbioza Mobiln@. | Author Hana Slapar, Urad vlade za komuniciranje
In addition to the Minister of Digital Transformation, the event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor; Melita Zorec, director of the Vič-Rudnik Retirement Home (Bokalce unit); Ana Pleško, co-founder of Simbioza, and Metka Svetlin, representative of Marketing Manager Google Adriatic.
Digital tools as an opportunity
At the opening, Minister Andrijanič said that we could celebrate together a new milestone in digital literacy in Slovenia. He stressed that digitalisation should not be an end in itself, as digital tools are here to simplify our lives. We need to see them as an opportunity, even though new things can often confuses us.
Slovenia is below the EU average in digitalisation indicators. According to the European Commission, just over a half of the population aged 16 to 74 have at least basic digital skills and knowledge.
That is why, as the Minister stressed, the travelling mobile classroom Simbioza is so important for Slovenia. "This is a pioneering initiative that has been strengthening the digital skills of vulnerable groups for a decade with the help of intergenerational cooperation. And it is a lovely, innovative and joined up way of doing it."
Emphasis on learning digital skills and tackling digital inequality
For the elderly, progress in the development of information and communication technology can be a major challenge. But digital skills are for society as a whole, so we should not leave anyone behind. This is why, according to Minister Andrijanič, lifelong learning of digital skills and tackling digital inequality will be the key priorities of the new Government Office for Digital Transformation.
He also announced that he would make an effort to introduce a digital voucher that older people and others would be able to use for digital skills courses.
No need to fear digitalisation
"The fear of digitalisation is unnecessary. There is not only one world, there are two. This means that we will maintain the traditional ways of providing administrative and other services. You will still be able to order a new ID card over the counter at the administrative unit, and you will also be able to make a doctor’s appointment over the phone," concluded the Minister.